3DS is a decent step up from PSP... it's already doing geometry on par with PSP's best (MGS, KH, etc), twice over for 3D actually, and layering effects on top of it all that even PS2 or Gamecube aren't capable of.  Self shadowing, normal mapping, bump mapping, specular highlights... 3DS is pumping out the sort of effects we generally see on advanced shader architectures like those found in 360 and PS3.  Effects wise, 3DS certainly is a generational leap over PSP.

I'd expect Wii 2 to be a similar step up over 360/PS3 honestly.  Comparable in some respects, a huge advancement in others, but clearly ahead overall.

It'll be hard to not have a system more powerful than the current generation HD consoles in the next generation. Nintendo would almost have to be deliberately obtuse in order for that to happen.

For instance if they used GDDR5 and embedded frame-buffer, they could be lazy and only install 2 chips of 2Gbit GDDR5 to yield 512MB of RAM and 50 GB/S bandwidth from 2011 onwards as an example and still vastly exceed the memory performance of current generation systems with a Wii-like memory architecture.

Then they can take a relatively cheap 4-6* Blu Ray or equivalent drive, a smattering of flash memory and perhaps an off the shelf Fusion variant from AMD and they have a quick and nasty console slapped together which magically outperforms current generation consoles similar to how the Wii outperforms last generation consoles for a really low price.

Finally slap on $100 mark up and they can be done with it.

Oh forgot: ?????

Then PROFIT!

Hmm you guys gave me an idea about Nintendo's next console...suddenly a projector doesn't seem so far fetched.

How about a console that entirely relies on itself (I mean NO OTHER hardware, not even controllers!) and nothing else? Besides being able to run DVDs or Blu-Rays or whatever capable disc format, it would also produce the sound and the visuals (using a projector as part of the console). What about the controllers? Well, I have a simple answer: Kinect-like control.

It'd be usable pretty much anywhere where you can connect it!

And before you scream "Handheld!!!", it would clearly not be a handheld because you cannot hold the screen in your hands while at the same time making the movements necessary to play (unless you want to throw the console like a ball hahaha). Besides, such a console would need to be a lot larger and heavier than a handheld.

Who knows? Maybe even the games are downloadable so you don't even have the need to carry the games around with you! And even though the console allowed for the use of the projector, its own sound system and downloadable games, maybe you could also be able to connect it to a HDTV and play it just fine!

Crazy idea? Maybe, most likely it is. But nobody besides Nintendo knows better so don't go just labeling it that way and call it a day; at least try to tell everyone why it's not a good idea.

PS: I just recalled...Miyamoto or Iwata (or someone from Nintendo...can't remember the name clearly) once said  a few years ago that he thought one day videogames would break away from TVs...at least that's a hint!

so will everybody else try make things different

your comment doesn't say anything more than Nintendo will do things differently,they don't have a consistant past of making things different as they haven't

so make your comment more meaningful.you are saying as if the other companies won't do anything and the uniques things you pointed out were just bullshit

3DS is not pumping out effects that we find not 360 and PS3 but only effects that we didn't see on PS2,GC.Better but not anywhere near PS3,360.

3DS is not generational leap.only enhanced last generation graphics with 3D

The answer. 2 gpu sets. Then your 3D ready for whatever the 3D output is out there.

This has been posted before. And the news article distorts the truth, Iwata didn't say their next console will have 3D capabilities for certain, but he stated "If you display a 3D image, the image quality becomes extremely bad, so we'd probably do it with the next system. We're thinking that the timing should be once the 3D television adoption rates crosses the 30% mark. We're looking at the adoption trends." Source

now how powerful those GPU's be and why do you need 2 when you can get a single powerful one

Be careful when calling out on other people to "predict more intelligently" when you yourself are incapable (or seem, at the very least) of understanding the point of my previous message. Honestly, it makes you look rather narrow-minded.

It is not the point that Nintendo's next console will use a projector.

It is not the point what sort of CD formats it will use.

It is not the point its individual features will be innovative.

I could tell you what the MAIN POINT of my message is but I'll let you think a little more and try to nail it if you want to continue arguing. After all, there can't be a real arguement if you misunderstand me.

Oh and by the way, the Wii uses DVDs...pathetic try.